Handle spins the spool just fine but the finger grip is tight. Ive tried lub but no go. Two small screws on the grip. Do I need to take those out and do something? One of my favorite reels and need a pointer.

I agree with Steve. Take off the screws and clean everything up. If its bearing supported you will need to flush the bearings in Acetone or lighter fluid, etc and then re lube. If there are no bearings in the knob then a good amount of grease should help smooth things out.